Corporal Alan Ladd, 2nd Lieutenant William Holden, Captain Ronald Reagan, Major Clark Gable and Colonel James Stewart had more in common than just acting; they were all service men, members of the US Army Air Forces’ First Motion Picture Unit.

The FMPU produced more than 400 propaganda and training films, including the 1944 William Wyler documentary Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress. Many of us learned the story of the Memphis Belle, a B-17 whose crew was the first to complete 25 missions and return to the United States, from the 1990 Warner Brothers film, inspired by the documentary, starring Matthew Modine. Join us for a screening of both the 1944 documentary and a brand new documentary on The First Motion Picture Unit: When Hollywood Went to War produced by Warner Brothers featuring rare home movies, film and newsreel footage that helped shape America’s involvement in World War II. Mr Matthew Modine will introduce and remark on his involvement in the story of The Memphis Belle. A reception precedes the screening. This event is free and open to the public but requires reservations.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today - so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.